By David Wright – This past Sunday, the 16th annual Jacksonville Beach jazz festival opened with musician and trumpeter Isaac Byrd. Isaac has produced three CD’s with his music group Beginnings and Meek by Isaac Byrd Jr. and Tribe Judah. His latest CD is entitled, “One Life” which was released two months ago. The talented musician energized the crowd and even though the weather was hot, concert goers enjoyed the smooth sounds of his trumpet playing and his band while the crowd danced in front of the stage. The rest of the crowd sat under their tents or whatever shade they had and enjoyed the music. During his concert he also paid tribute to “Prince” and played several music selections from his past and current CDs. “A big highlight of my life was sharing the stage with my trumpet mentor and Jax native Teddy Washington,” said Isaac. While the trumpet is his voice as an artist, Byrd, a member of the Jacksonville Jazz Society, still plays drums in the worship band at Builders of the Faith Christian Center.
The Beaches Jazz Festival is a family-friendly event that takes place on the second Tuesday of each month where families come out to see dozens of great local artists, hear local musicians perform, and visit the participating businesses throughout the downtown Jacksonville Beach area. D. Wright Photo
